James E. “Skip” Mills

James E. “Skip” Mills, 69, of Second Ave., Koppel passed away peacefully at his home Saturday, December 20, 2014 following an extended illness.

Born October 28, 1945 in New Castle, he was the son of the late James E. and Jean Winegar Mills Sr. He was married for 37 years to Eileen Davidson Mills who survives.

Skip was the founder and publisher of the Valley Tribune and then the advertising director for the Ellwood City Ledger. He then worked and retired in 2013 from Homeland Security where he worked as a Lead Security Officer for theTransportation Department. Skip graduated from Mohawk High School in 1964. He was a member of the Clinton United Methodist Church. He was also a member and past president of the Koppel Sportsman’s Club.

In addition to his wife, Eileen, survivors include a son, Michael James Mills of Slippery Rock; two stepsons, John (Neda) Fritz of Wexford, Michael (Missie) Fritz of Hermitage; and five grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Ronald L. Mills.

Visiting hours will be held Monday December 22 from 5 to 8 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home 341 Main Street Wampum. Funeral Services will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday at 11 am with his pastor, Rev. Wayne R. Cleary officiating. Private interment will follow in the Clinton Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to National Kidney Foundation 3109 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh,PA 15213 or the American Diabetes Association 100 West Station Square Drive Suite 1900 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15219.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.